Monday, April 09, 2007

Bye-bye basketball, time for football…No, it isn’t preseason preview time yet. But before you know it, it will be. I hope to get back to my “epics” on each team in worst to first fashion starting late in May.

In the meantime, before I go battle the snow to force some golf in this spring, I have to tie up some loose ends on the basketball court. The Big Ten has been busy since I last checked in. Ohio State was a more evened-out effort beyond the arch from getting some national title revenge on Florida. Three coaching vacancies have been filled and one name tied to rumors unnecessarily is staying where he should.

Oh and Buckeye Nation won the Get Gamm contest – again. We’re going to have to rename the guy “Gator Nation” since he has won the football and basketball titles in the same season.

Congrats Buckeyes…As much as it pains me, and certainly Buckeyes everywhere, even a loss in the finals signaled a hell of a season. Ohio State came up just a few triples short of what many expected when the “Thad Five” came in this fall. Oden was every bit the dominating force he could be in the finals. Conley had a fantastic second half. The supporting cast just didn’t get it done as much as it has previously.

As much as it pains me as I abhor the Gators, that was a team destined to win it all. The consummate team effort game in a game out. I’m just glad I don’t have to see that stupid freaking pony tail any more. Oh and way to look like a dope after the game too Joakim.

As a Big Ten fan, I hope like heck Oden goes pro. It’s been quiet in Columbus, but really, how can the guy turn down being the top pick overall and risk his future.

Coaching moves galore…We previously touched base on Alford’s departure and Tubby Smith’s sudden arrival. Since then Michigan and Iowa have filled their vacancies. Tubby will no doubt put Golden Gophers basketball back on the map. Former Butler head coach Todd Lickliter makes it two for the Big Ten that have coached the Bulldogs. He will be a great fit for Iowa and is a nice addition to the conference. John Beilein brings a Princeton-type style and a wicked 1-3-1 zone to Ann Arbor, sight unseen. He wasn’t the splash Michigan fans had hoped for and he probably doesn’t scare those recruiting in the fertile state of Michigan, but folks, he’ll do some nice things and continue with the right way that Amaker set ahead of him.

Thanks goodness the Izzo rumors are done…As a Spartans fan, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that I am so glad Kentucky finally hired a coach. The preposterous rumors in the state from radio nimrods like Bill “huge” Simenson were nauseating. Izzo was never going to leave for another college job and why would he with what he has coming back and coming in? He’s the “Godfather” of Big Ten coaches, a conference that arguably has the best bosses from top to bottom of any in the land.

National Champs!Congrats to the Michigan State Spartans for keeping the NCAA Hockey title in the Big Ten. That makes four of the last six champions teams from the Big Ten (even though there is officially no Big Ten in hockey).

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